Thanks to the State Government, train services between Perth and Bunbury are about to undergo a major overhaul. The government has chosen Alstom as the preferred proponent to create six new rail cars for the Australind train. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed the cars would be more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Subject to final negotiations with the contractor, the cars are due for completion in 2022-23. Of the 246 C-series trains promised by Alstom, 50 per cent will be built in WA. Funding of up to $20,000 will be made available through the Local Capability Fund for businesses interested in becoming involved in Metronet projects. The North Dandalup and Cookernup stations will receive $1.28 million worth of upgrades, with both projects set to begin next month. In-keeping with Disability and Discrimination Act Standards, the stations will be accessible via ramp or stairs. Both stations will be finished next year. "Alstom is the preferred proponent to deliver the six new diesel Australind rail cars, an important train service for residents in the South-West," Ms Saffioti said. "We are continuing to deliver on our election commitments in the South-West with upgrades to the North Dandalup and Cookernup stations. "We committed to bringing rail car manufacturing back to WA and we are delivering on this important commitment." Bunbury MLA Don Punch said they were pleased to be providing improved transportation services for the region. "We will have a very reliable maintenance program developed for the Australind train," he said. "TransWA has been working hard to ensure that the current Australind train will be safe and reliable for the next couple of years. "I'm confident that the new projects will meet our requirements. "The entire program has been designed to meet the state's rail needs for the next 30 to 40 years." Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray have also expressed their support for this week's announcements. Shadow Transport Minister Libby Mettam said the government has failed to keep its commitments. "It is just not good enough that the people of the South-West have to wait at least another three years to see the replacement of the Australind, given they rely on this service for their work, medical appointments etc.," she said. "The Australind has been out of service for 88 days since Labor came into government, and 77 days have been in the past year."

State Government announces six new rail cars for Australind train

Thanks to the State Government, train services between Perth and Bunbury are about to undergo a major overhaul.

The government has chosen Alstom as the preferred proponent to create six new rail cars for the Australind train.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed the cars would be more efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Subject to final negotiations with the contractor, the cars are due for completion in 2022-23.

Of the 246 C-series trains promised by Alstom, 50 per cent will be built in WA.

Funding of up to $20,000 will be made available through the Local Capability Fund for businesses interested in becoming involved in Metronet projects.

The North Dandalup and Cookernup stations will receive $1.28 million worth of upgrades, with both projects set to begin next month.

In-keeping with Disability and Discrimination Act Standards, the stations will be accessible via ramp or stairs.

Both stations will be finished next year.

"Alstom is the preferred proponent to deliver the six new diesel Australind rail cars, an important train service for residents in the South-West," Ms Saffioti said.

"We are continuing to deliver on our election commitments in the South-West with upgrades to the North Dandalup and Cookernup stations.

"We committed to bringing rail car manufacturing back to WA and we are delivering on this important commitment."

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said they were pleased to be providing improved transportation services for the region.

"We will have a very reliable maintenance program developed for the Australind train," he said.

"TransWA has been working hard to ensure that the current Australind train will be safe and reliable for the next couple of years.

"I'm confident that the new projects will meet our requirements.

"The entire program has been designed to meet the state's rail needs for the next 30 to 40 years."

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray have also expressed their support for this week's announcements.

Shadow Transport Minister Libby Mettam said the government has failed to keep its commitments.

"It is just not good enough that the people of the South-West have to wait at least another three years to see the replacement of the Australind, given they rely on this service for their work, medical appointments etc.," she said.

"The Australind has been out of service for 88 dayssince Labor came into government, and 77 days have been in the past year."